Design Your Space: 10 Types of Closet Doors to Choose From

Your closet doors are more important than you may realize. They add to the design of your room and ensure easy access to the contents inside. With so many closet door options, you may find it challenging to pick one. It is important to balance aesthetics with functionality. Learning about the different types of closet doors can help you select the right one to enhance your room’s design and access to closet space. 

Sliding Doors

Sliding closet doors are a popular option because they make closet access easy. They are accommodating in small spaces that may not allow enough room for doors to open and close fully. Sliding closet doors come in two to three panels and sometimes have mirrors that enhance their usability. 

Although these doors offer easy access and are perfect for minimal space, the tracks can require maintenance to prevent the doors from sliding out of position. Sliding doors also only allow access to a portion of your closet, depending on the side you open. 

Bi-Fold Doors

Bi-fold doors are also a popular choice for closets. Like sliding doors, bi-fold doors offer access to your closet without taking up valuable space in a small room. These doors have two panels that are connected by hinges. They fold in half when opened and offer access to your entire closet. 

Bi-fold doors require regular maintenance to prevent them from sliding off the tracks. They are easy to use but do not offer as sleek a design as sliding doors. 

These doors come in many styles and materials. They can be made of solid wood or composite. You can customize the look with glass inserts and various paint colors. 

Louvered Doors

Louvered closet doors have slats that allow for air circulation inside the closet. They are ideal for closets that do not have ventilation and prevent musty smells due to excess moisture. Louvered doors are especially beneficial for bathroom closets and utility rooms. Louvered doors can be bi-fold, hinged, or sliding, offering practicality and flexibility. 

These doors add a unique texture and visual interest to a room and can be painted, stained, or left natural. Because of the many slats, louvered doors are more difficult to clean. 

French Doors

French doors are double and open to access the entire closet. They have an elegant, simple, and classic design. These doors are often made of wood and have glass panels. If you do not want the contents of your closet revealed to guests, opt for frosted glass panels. 

These doors complement many styles and can be left natural or painted. French doors require plenty of extra room to open, so they are not ideal for small spaces. They are also more expensive than some other closet door options. 

Barn Doors

Barn doors are becoming increasingly popular as farmhouse design rises. These doors feature an exposed track that adds to their rustic charm. The doors slide back and forth on this track, often made of steel, carbon steel, or stainless steel.

It is important to note that barn doors require plenty of wall space to move the doors in and out for access to the closet. You cannot hang pictures and other decor in these areas because they can be knocked from the wall. 

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors are a popular option for small apartments and homes. Unlike other door options, they do not require added space. Pocket doors slide into a special compartment in the wall, making them one of the perfect closet door options for minimal space. 

The primary drawbacks of these doors are the complications and installation costs. Most people cannot install pocket doors as a DIY project; they require a professional touch. These doors offer a clean, sleek design, perfect for any decor. 

Hinged Doors

Known as the most traditional closet door, hinged doors swing open to access the inner closet. They come in various styles and materials, including wood, composite, and glass inserts. 

They require plenty of space to swing open so they may be the wrong doors for small areas. Some people may find these doors too plain for their decor. 

Accordion Doors

Accordion doors feature at least three to four panels connected by hinges. They are excellent choices for closets that require instant access, especially linen and utility closets. 

These save space and are easy to operate, but because of their lightweight design, they may not be as durable as some other options. You can paint or stain these doors to add interest. 

Shoji Doors

Inspired by Japanese architecture, shoji doors are light wooden frames filled with translucent rice paper. They open like barn doors and have a simplistic yet elegant design. 

Because these closet doors are light and airy, they can be fragile. Tears in the rice paper can cause damage, so special care must be taken when opening and closing them. 

Pivot Doors

As the name suggests, Pivot doors use a pivoting hinge that allows the doors to rotate on an axis. Seamlessly open your closet with a unique and stylish option. 

These doors are chic for any decor but require a precise installation, so it is best left to the professionals. They are more expensive than traditional hinged doors but more customizable for your decor. 

Choose the Perfect Closet Doors

Choosing the right closet doors is more important than many realize. These doors can withstand a lot of abuse daily, so they require durability and proper installation. 

The right doors can enhance your home’s style and value. With so many plentiful options, it is crucial to research and compare them to determine which will fit best in your space. It also helps to measure the closet opening and the space around it to choose the correct size. 

To ensure the closet doors will look and perform beautifully, you must balance style with functionality. Consider your current decor and determine if you want the doors to complement the design or make a bold statement that stands out against the rest of the room.